'Lawrence of Arabia' Star Peter O'Toole Has Passed Away at Age 81

After announcing his retirement from acting last year, legendary actor Peter O'Toole has passed away at age 81. News of his death (via Chicago Tribune) only says that he died Saturday in a London hospital due to "a long illness," so we can only assume his bout with stomach cancer in the 70s finally won out. O'Toole was nominated for eight Academy Awards during his career but never won an award. In fact, he's one of the few actors who earned a nomination playing the same character in different films by playing King Henry II in both Becket and The Lion in Winter. But O'Toole hasn't gone without plenty of honor and accolades.

O'Toole starred in countless classics from the 60's and more recently voiced food critic Anton Ego in Pixar's Ratatouille in 2007. The actor's Oscar nominations include Best Actor for his performances in Goodbye, Mr. Chips; The Ruling Class; The Stuntman, Venus and My Favorite Year. But the actor is most certainly best remembered for his work in 1962's Lawrence of Arabia, the classic film that launched his star.

Though he never won any Academy Awards, O'Toole received an Honorary Oscar that celebrated his life's work, and though the actor initially refused, still wanting to legitimately win an Oscar, he ultimately accepted it, and we're glad he did. O'Toole came out of retirement last month forKatherine of Alexandria, a film about ancient Rome, so we'll see at least one more performance from O'Toole. Otherwise, the actor has left behind an eclectic library of work that has and will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. Our thoughts go out to Mr. O'Toole's friends and family in this difficult time. He will be missed.

one of the last great icons, gone but never to be forgotten.
Lawrence of Arabia is always cited, but with good reason - he really is excellent in it and so many of the films in which he starred. even in his later years - i had enormous fum watching him comprehensively wipe the floor with Brad Pitt in their scenes together in Troy.
and how has the obit post for a man of this stature got so few comments at the time of writing?

Brian Sleider

R.I.P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7YGEVuJ4mM Carpola

Reckon he would have been fun to have a beer with. RIP

http://www.roamandthink.com/ Quanah

Yes.

son_et_lumiere

although, in his hayday, you would have had to have Herculean stamina just to keep up with him. RIP, sir.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7YGEVuJ4mM Carpola

I think I would have been sick a few times in the evening, but I'd enjoy it none the less!

Terry Craig

Just a few days ago I watched The Ruling Class for the first time. Rest in peace, Pete.